Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 13 Oct 2026
Note: this position is advertised in Italian. Excellent written and spoken Italian is mandatory alongside English. The Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) is an independent, private non-profit think tank founded in 1965 by Altiero Spinelli, with one of Italy's leading research profiles in international relations, European integration, defence policy, and space security. Its Defence, Security and Space programme produces original research on political, institutional, military, legal, economic, industrial, and technological dimensions of defence and space at national and international level. Two trimestral internship periods are available: January–April 2027 and May–July 2027. Interns are integrated into the activities of the Defence, Security and Space programme on a part-time afternoon schedule, in-person at IAI's Rome headquarters. Tasks include data collection and research using web sources, specialised journals, press, and official documents; drafting of papers, event reports, and other documents; editing support; document translation; event organisation support; and contribution to IAI's communications, including possible collaboration with the online journal AffarInternazionali.it. For students in the early stage of a Master's programme in political science, international relations, defence studies, law, or related disciplines with an interest in space security, this internship offers direct immersion in one of Italy's most active think tank environments. Participation in IAI conferences, seminars, and other activities of the intern's interest is encouraged. Unpaid; the selected candidate receives free access to one IAI training course.
Currently enrolled in the first or second year of a Master's degree (or equivalent) in political science, international relations, diplomatic studies, contemporary history, economics, law, or foreign languages Excellent written Italian (mandatory) Excellent spoken and written English (mandatory) Good IT skills (Microsoft Office suite, web) Convention between the candidate's university and IAI must be in place or activable Desirable: good knowledge of French, German, or Spanish as a second foreign language Application: CV and motivation letter submitted by 8 November 2026; optional reference letter; indicate if unavailable for one of the two periods